Bell's palsy is caused by inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles of one side of your face. The illness develops rapidly, with paralysis of half the face, along with difficulty in closing the eye on the affected side. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should seek immediate medical care if you experience paralysis. Most people with Bell's palsy recover completely within three to six months, but a small number will experience lifelong symptoms. Ask your physical therapist before trying any exercises to help with Bell's palsy.
Close the Eye
The Bell's Palsy Association recommends this exercise to help relax your eyelid and help it from becoming stiff. Begin by looking down, and gently place the back of your index finger on the eyelid, keeping it closed. Reach over with your opposite hand and carefully stretch the eyebrow upwards. Remove your hands from your face and try to press your eyelids together. Finish the exercise by narrowing both eyes, as if staring into the sun. Repeat the exercise twice. According to the Bell's Palsy Information Site, you should always perform facial exercises in front of a mirror to help avoid overcompensation and exaggerated movements by the unaffected part of your face.
Maintain Even Smile
Take a deep breath through your nose and try to flare your nostrils. Then use the pads of your forefingers to gently try to move the corners of your mouth outwards and upwards into a smile. The Bell's Palsy Association advises trying to keep the movement exactly the same on both sides of your face. Once your smile is in position, take your fingers away and try to hold the expression.
Eyebrow Raising
Watching yourself in a mirror, raise your eyebrows and hold the expression for 10 to 15 seconds. According to the Bell's Palsy Information Site, you should scrutinize yourself in the mirror while slowly raising your eyebrows, watching out for synkinesis, or involuntary muscle movements in other parts of your face. If the corner of your mouth or your cheek start to move, stop raising your eyebrows, and hold them at a level where synkinesis doesn't occur. After 10 to 15 seconds, finish the exercise by wrinkling your forehead, then relax.
Lip Exercises
Begin by compressing your lips, then pucker them and attempt to whistle. Next attempt a smile without showing your teeth, while observing in the mirror, then try to smile with teeth shown. Finally, try moving your lips into a small, gradual smile, then pucker your lips slowly, trying to use equal strength from both sides. The Bell's Palsy Information Site cautions against doing this, or any, exercise for Bell's palsy in the early stages of the illness, when muscles are flaccid.
